IN life the odd disappointment comes as par for the course.

So, organisers will have taken in stride the withdrawal of a number of top global athletes for today’s staging of Racers Grand Prix track meet at the National Stadium in the Jamaican capital.

We like the upbeat tone of Racers Track Club president and renowned coach Mr Glen Mills that “…You can’t avoid people withdrawing; sometimes you have maybe one or two [pulling out], if you’re lucky, and sometimes you have quite a number. But you can always get replacements — and it’s about the excitement and quality of performances of those who actually compete.”

From the perspective of Jamaica’s top athletes, Racers Grand Prix is also about getting themselves in stride towards the national trials later this month and, of course, the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, September 13-21, which will be the top global track and field event for 2025.

In that regard, track and field enthusiasts flocking to the National Stadium this evening will be looking forward to seeing a number of Jamaica’s elite as they build methodically towards their peak.

That peaking process for athletes must be handled with great care and know-how, closely monitored by coaches and back-room staff. That’s especially the case when the World Championships is in September — which is late for the international season and well in excess of two months after the national trials.

With all of the above in mind we believe ace sprinter and Olympic 100m silver medallist Mr Kishane Thompson struck the correct note when he told fans through a social media post this week that, “I can’t say that every time I step on the track that it’s going to be a super fast time. It’s life. Conditions apply.”

And further that, “Everything is not always going to be aligned. You just got to focus, execute, and on the given day and time, do what you got to do…”

The big names this evening include Mr Thompson, two-time 200m World champion Ms Shericka Jackson, Olympic 110m hurdles bronze medallist Mr Rasheed Broadbell, Olympic and World Championship sprint finalist Mr Oblique Seville, Olympic and World Championship long jump silver medallist Mr Wayne Pinnock.

Much attention will also be focused on 400m/200m runner Mr Christopher Taylor, who has shown good form this season following a return from a drug-related suspension.

And, of course, there are the sprint twins — Misses Tia and Tina Clayton. They, along with World Under-20 champion Miss Alana Reid, are being eyed among those in line to take the baton as great sprinters for the black, green and gold.

As told to this newspaper by Coach Mills, “We plan to showcase a lot of Jamaican athletes. You could call it spotlight on Jamaica and… we have some of our very best [athletes] competing …”

We expect there will also be tongue-wagging, head-turning performances from others not so well known. For the truest track and field apostles, that last category is perhaps the most intriguing.

Yet again, we believe Racers Track Club has done Jamaica’s track and field great service by organising this event — which, we are well aware, comes at considerable cost and risk.

Much appreciation should also be extended to sponsors and others who provide vital support. Keep going, we say.